The CEO’s Masked Secret Wife novel Chapter 60

60 The Gatekeeper’s Alliance

60 The Gatekeeper’s Alliance

## Liam’s POV (1

I paced nervously outside the restaurant, checking my watch for the fifth time in as many minutes. The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of the ocean that defined Haven Harbor. Damian leaned against my car, watching me with obvious

amusement.

“You look more nervous than when you closed the Henderson deal,” he remarked.

“Because this matters more,” I replied, straightening my tie. “Much more.”

After a week of persistent texts and gift baskets, Chloe had finally agreed to meet. Not just with me, but for a double date – her and Noah, me and Damian. The irony wasn’t

lost on me.

“Here they come,” Damian nudged me.

I turned to see Chloe and Noah approaching from the parking lot. Noah looked relaxed, but Chloe’s face was set in a determined scowl that made my stomach clench.

“Remember,” Damian whispered, “don’t grovel, but don’t be arrogant either.”

“I know how to talk to people,” I hissed back.

“No, you know how to command people,” he corrected. “Big difference.”

Before I could respond, they reached us. Noah extended his hand first.

“Noah Evans,” he said with an easy smile. “Heard a lot about you.”

“All bad, I’m guessing,” I replied, shaking his hand.

“Mostly,” he agreed with a chuckle.

Chloe stood with her arms crossed, sizing me up. When Hazel had first mentioned her best friend, I’d pictured someone soft and sweet like her. Instead, Chloe Dalton was all sharp edges and fierce loyalty.

“Ms. Dalton,” I offered my hand. “Thank you for agreeing to meet.”

She ignored my outstretched hand. “Let’s be clear – I’m here because Noah convinced

1/6

60 The Gatekeeper’s Alliance

me you deserve five minutes to explain yourself. That’s it.”

Damian stepped forward. “I’m Damian Knight. The less objectionable friend.”

To my surprise, Chloe’s expression softened slightly as she shook Damian’s hand. “At least one of you knows how to make a good first impression.”

The hostess led us to our table – a private corner booth I’d specifically requested. After ordering drinks, an uncomfortable silence fell over the table.

“So,” Noah broke the tension, “I hear you’re quite the business mogul. Sterling Group is impressive.”

“Thank you,” I replied, grateful for the neutral topic. “It was my father’s company. I’ve been trying to live up to his legacy.”

“And investigate everyone who works for you?” Chloe cut in sharply.

I set down my water glass. “I deserved that.”

“Yes, you did,” she agreed, leaning forward. “Do you have any idea what you put Hazel through? She was finally happy. Leo was finally adjusting”

The mention of Leo sent a pang through my chest. “I know I handled everything wrong. That’s why I wanted to meet – to explain myself.”

“This should be good,” Chloe muttered.

Our drinks arrived, giving me a moment to gather my thoughts. When the waiter left, I took a deep breath.

“When I discovered Hazel had withheld information about her past, I reacted from a place of fear and distrust,” I admitted. “I’ve had people use me for my money, my position. It’s made me paranoid.”

“So you immediately assumed the worst about her?” Chloe’s voice dripped with disgust.

“Yes,” I said bluntly. “And I was wrong. Completely wrong.”

Damian nodded encouragingly as I continued.

“I’ve spent my entire life protecting myself from being hurt. Keeping people at a distance.” I stared into my glass. “Until Hazel. She got past all my defenses without

12 14

2/6

eper S

even trying. And that terrified me.”

Noah leaned forward, clearly interested. “What changed?”

“Nothing changed,” I said. “I just finally admitted the truth – that I’ve fallen in love with her. With both of them.”

Chloe’s eyebrows rose slightly, but her expression remained skeptical.

“Leo is an amazing kid,” I continued, unable to keep the emotion from my voice. “Smart, funny, curious. The way he looks at the world… it’s incredible.”

For the first time, Chloe’s hard expression faltered. “You really care about Leo?”

“More than I thought possible,” I admitted. “I miss him reading his dinosaur books to me. I miss his questions about everything. I miss…” My voice caught unexpectedly.

Damian picked up smoothly. “Liam’s been miserable without them. Trust me, I’ve had to listen to him mope for weeks.”

“Why should I trust either of you?” Chloe demanded, though her tone had lost some of its edge.

Our food arrived, momentarily pausing the conversation. When the server left, Noah touched Chloe’s hand gently.

“Babe, remember when we first started dating?” he asked carefully. “That

misunderstanding with my ex?”

Chloe’s cheeks flushed slightly. “That was different.”

“Was it?” Noah pressed. “You jumped to conclusions. You were ready to write me off completely.”

“Because I thought you were cheating!” she protested.

“But I wasn’t,” Noah reminded her. “And you gave me a chance to explain.”

Chloe’s eyes narrowed at him. “Whose side are you on?”

“Yours,” he assured her. “Always yours. But also Hazel’s. And I’m not sure staying angry

at Liam is what’s best for her.”

I seized the opening. “I’m not asking for instant forgiveness. I’m asking for a chance to

12: 14-

3/6

earn back her trust.”

“And if she doesn’t want to give you that chance?” Chloe challenged.

“Then I’ll respect her decision,” I said firmly. “But I need to know I tried everything.”

–

Damian cleared his throat. “Look, I’ve known Liam for years. He’s many things – stubborn, demanding, occasionally a complete ass—’

“Thanks for that,” I muttered.

“-but he’s also loyal to his core,” Damian continued. “When he cares about someone, it’s all or nothing. And I’ve never seen him care about anyone the way he cares about Hazel and Leo.”

Chloe studied me intently, as if trying to read the truth in my eyes.

“She cried for days,” she finally said, her voice quiet but cutting. “Leo kept asking for you. Do you have any idea how hard it is to explain to a four-year-old why someone they trust just disappeared?”

The words hit me like physical blows. “I hate that I hurt them. If I could take it back—’

“But you can’t,” Chloe interrupted. “Actions have consequences, Sterling.”

Noah gently intervened again. “Everyone deserves a second chance, Chlo. Even rich

CEOS with trust issues.”

The dinner continued with less tension but remained heavy with the weight of what was at stake. As we finished dessert, I decided to lay everything on the line.

“Chloe, I know you’re Hazel’s protector. Her gatekeeper. And you should be – she deserves someone looking out for her interests.” I met her gaze directly. “I’m not asking you to forgive me. I’m asking you to help me show Hazel that people can make mistakes, learn from them, and be better.”

“Why should I?” she asked, but her voice had lost its hostility.

“Because you want Hazel to be happy,” Damian answered for me. “And despite his spectacular screw-up, this guy makes her happy.”

Chloe looked between us, then at Noah, who gave her an encouraging nod.

“If – and that’s a big if I were to help,” she said slowly, “what exactly did you have in

–

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify